Get Thunderstruck #Free on Amazon

Taranis, the Celtic god of Thunder, has spent an eternity longing for the touch of a single mortal woman. He has followed her through incarnations, but always his powers were too much for her to bear.

Tara is a deaf woman, struggling to fit in the hearing world. She hides a gentle heart behind a tough exterior. Will she let down her defenses when a handsome mute tries to win her heart?

And even if she does, can Taranis’ love come without a death sentence?

DOWNTON ABBEY on Bl-ray & DVD

DOWNTON ABBEY, the global sensation hailed as “a grand, cinematic experience” (Mike Reyes, Cinemablend) welcomes fans back for a spectacular homecoming on Digital November 26, 2019 and on Blu-ray^™, DVD and On Demand on December 17, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Earning an “A” CinemaScore, the film, which is celebrated by critics as “a true love letter to the fans” (Catalina Combs, Black Girl Nerds), arrives just in time for the holiday season with a broad variety of bonus features, including exclusive conversations with the cast, deleted scenes and a series recap that whisks audiences away to a world of grandeur.
 
Based on Carnival Films’ Emmy^® award-winning television series, the feature DOWNTON ABBEY sees the original cast return, alongside a host of newcomers. The incredible ensemble cast been applauded by critics as “funny and charming as ever” (Caroline Siede, The A.V. Club). The film chronicles the Crawley family one year after the conclusion of the series, as they prepare for the most important moment of their lives: an impending visit from the Royal Family. Join the glitz, glamour and spectacle as the special visit unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue on the fan-favorite family and its staff members. Lauded as “a delight” (Stephanie Zacharek, TIME), the film comes from the series screenwriter and producer Julian Fellowes, and producers Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge.

The motion picture will also be available in a Deluxe Limited Edition, featuring the Blu-ray Disc, DVD, and Digital Code, presented in exclusive packaging along with a collectible photo book and recipe cards. Available only while supplies last, this special offering is the must-own gift for any Downton Abbey fan or to add to your own collection.
 

BLU-RAY^TM, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:

• Deleted Scenes
• Cast Conversations – Exclusive roundtable interviews with the cast.
  • Upstairs Cast
  • Downstairs Cast
• The Royal Visit – A look at how the royal visit proved to be an ambitious event both on and behind the camera.
• True to the Twenties – Fans of DOWNTON ABBEY are charmed by the sheer grandeur of the aristocracy in the early 20^th century. Learn how DOWNTON ABBEY maintains a reputation of being true to the time period.
• Welcome to Downton Abbey – A behind-the-scenes look at the grandeur of Highclere Castle and how it serves as a cornerstone in the Downton Abbey franchise.
• The Brilliance of Julian Fellowes – Writer Julian Fellowes has created a story and beloved characters that resonate with people across the world. This piece celebrates Julian’s brilliant creativity and reveals his approach to bringing Downton Abbey to the big screen.
• Downton Abbey Series Recap* – Whether you’re new or just need a refresher, this series recap will catch you up on the story so far.
• Feature Commentary with Director Michael Engler

My Thoughts

In Downtown Abbey the movie, is a extended version of the television show that features lots of holiday fun. In the film, the Crawleys prepare for a visit from the king and queen. There is lots of romance including a same-sex couple that defy the rules of the times in the best of ways. Of course, they find themselves engulfed in drama and scandal that might send the royal couple fleeing the scene.

This movie was a great edition to the series and really helped to tie up some loose ends from the television series. Both the costumes and the scenery are beautifully depicted and the actors are outstanding.  If you are a fan of the series, this movie is sure to be a hit. I especially love all the beautiful flabber dresses, and every scene with the amazing Countess Crawley.  If you'd like to grab a copy of this awesome Blu-ray/DVD combo, you can find it in stores nationwide or online at Amazon.

Book Review: A Mindful Morning by David Dillard-Wright, PhD

With all the struggles of modern life, it's easy to get lost in a quagmire of stress, worry, and indifference. For thousands of years, monks rose before dawn to meditate and greet the morning with an open heart. But you don't need to beat the sun to start the day mindfully. With A Mindful Morning, you can channel this ancient tradition as part of your daily morning routine.
 
With 200 inspiring quotes and short, easy mindfulness exercises, you'll learn how to begin your day with a clear head and positive energy. These simple moments of awareness, healing postures, and meditations can help soothe your soul as you take on every day with tranquility, confidence, and composure.

My Thoughts

I've been working a lot this year on raising my vibration, and creating a more positive mindset, so this book seemed like a perfect thing to read. The author takes readers through a variety of exercises designed to help people achieve mindfulness and a more positive outlook. 

The book begins by talking a bit about what mindfulness is, and how it can benefit us. After that, there are a variety of one-page exercises that discuss various topics. These include quotes and thoughts on embracing change, dealing with anger, igniting your curiousity, and more. 

One of the things that struck me the most was when the author went into valuing people over ideaolgies, and not allowing political differences to overtake your relationships. This is such a valuable lesson, especially during an election year. I also loved the parts about respecting your power, and how maybe can't control the situations you may be involved in or what you see, but you can control the way you react to things. 

The writing flows nicely, and the messages inside left me feeling good as I read them. If you're looking for something to help you explore mindfulness (or just read positive, inspiring material), I would recommend giving this one a try.